On December 29, significant events have shaped history. From assassinations to scientific breakthroughs, this date holds a diverse range of historical moments. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the events that have left an indelible mark on December 29th, offering insights into the past and reflecting on their enduring significance.
Major Historical Events on December 29 – Today in History
1170: Thomas Becket Assassination
Thomas Becket’s assassination in 1170 was a shocking event that took place at Canterbury Cathedral when four knights attacked the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, near the high altar, leading to his tragic death.
1558: Charles V’s Burial
In 1558, the burial of Charles V, the King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, occurred at El Escorial in Spain. It marked the end of an era in European history.
1653: Jan Vermeer Joins Guild
In 1653, the renowned Dutch painter Jan Vermeer became a member of the Guild of Saint Luke for painters in Delft, a significant milestone in his artistic career.
1782: 1st US Nautical Almanac
The publication of the first nautical almanac in the United States in 1782 by Samuel Stearns in Boston was a major advancement for navigation and maritime activities.
1806: Harlequin and Mother Goose
“Harlequin and Mother Goose,” a pantomime that opened in London in 1806, featured Joseph Grimaldi’s iconic clown performance, delighting audiences.
1812: USS Constitution Victory
The USS Constitution’s victory in 1812, under the command of Captain William Bainbridge, marked a significant moment in naval warfare during the War of 1812.
1835: Treaty of New Echota
The signing of the Treaty of New Echota in 1835 led to the cession of Cherokee lands east of the Mississippi River to the United States, with far-reaching consequences for Native Americans.
1848: White House Gas Lights
Gas lights were first installed at the White House in 1848 during President Polk’s administration, illuminating the iconic presidential residence.
1851: 1st YMCA Chapter
The opening of the first American Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) chapter in Boston in 1851 provided a community-focused organization promoting health and fitness.
1857: Liszt’s Hunnenschlacht
In 1857, Franz Liszt’s symphonic poem “Hunnenschlacht (The Battle of the Huns)” premiered in Weimar, showcasing his innovative musical compositions.
1860: HMS Warrior Launch
The launch of HMS Warrior in 1860 marked a significant technological advancement, as it was the first British seagoing iron-clad warship, revolutionizing naval warfare.
1867: 1st Telegraph Ticker
In 1867, a milestone in communication was achieved with the first telegraph ticker used by a brokerage house, Groesbeck & Co, in New York, revolutionizing stock market reporting.
1890: Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 was a tragic event where over 200 captive Sioux, including women and children, were killed by the US 7th Cavalry in South Dakota, marking a dark chapter in Native American history.
1911: Sun Yat-sen President
Sun Yat-sen becoming the first President of the Republic of China in 1911 was a pivotal moment in Chinese history, as it marked the end of imperial rule and the beginning of the republic.
1913: Adventures of Kathlyn
The premiere of “Adventures of Kathlyn” in 1913 marked the birth of movie serials, an entertainment format that would captivate audiences for decades.
1930: Longest River Swim
In 1930, Fred P. Newton completed the longest swim ever, covering 1826 miles in the Mississippi River from Ford Dam, Minnesota, to New Orleans, showcasing remarkable endurance.
1932: Flying Down to Rio
“Flying Down to Rio” in 1932 was the first joint movie of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, setting the stage for their legendary on-screen partnership and musical success.
1934: Madison Square Garden Doubleheader
The 1934 Madison Square Garden doubleheader featured two collegiate basketball games, including New York University vs. Notre Dame and Westminster vs. St. John’s, becoming a milestone in sports history.
1939: B-24 Liberator’s First Flight
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber prototype took its first flight in 1939, marking the beginning of a prolific aircraft production that played a crucial role in World War II.
1940: London Blitz
The London Blitz in 1940 was a devastating German air raid, dropping over 10,000 bombs, including the first incendiary bombs, on the city, leaving a lasting impact on London’s history.
1949: 1st UHF TV Station
In 1949, the first UHF television station operating on a regular basis was established in Bridgeport, Connecticut, heralding a new era in television broadcasting technology.
1952: 1st Transistorized Hearing Aid
The introduction of the first transistorized hearing aid in 1952 in Elmsford, NY, marked a significant advancement in assistive technology for those with hearing impairments.
1955: Barbra Streisand’s Debut
Barbra Streisand’s debut in 1955 marked the beginning of her legendary career in the entertainment industry, as she recorded “You’ll Never Know” at the age of 13.
1955: NHL’s Striped Sweaters
In 1955, the NHL introduced new vertically striped black-and-white sweaters for its officials, changing the visual identity of the sport.
1966: Pirate Radio Phoenix
Pirate Radio Phoenix made its first transmission in 1966 from Worcester, Massachusetts, adding a new dimension to the world of radio broadcasting with its unconventional approach.
1970: Occupational Safety Act
In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon, prioritizing workplace safety and health regulations for American workers.
1972: Ruairi O Bradaigh Arrest
The arrest of Ruairi O Bradaigh in 1972, under new legislation in the Republic of Ireland, marked a significant moment in the political landscape of the region.
1982: Bear Bryant’s Retirement
In 1982, the retirement of American college football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant concluded his illustrious career with the University of Alabama, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
1984: Rajiv Gandhi’s Victory Claim
Rajiv Gandhi’s claim of victory in 1984 in Indian parliamentary elections marked a critical moment in Indian politics, shaping the country’s future.
1994: Bangladeshi Government Resignation
The resignation of the Bangladeshi government in 1994 had profound political implications, reshaping the country’s leadership.
2003: 50th Indian National Film Awards
The 50th Indian National Film Awards in 2003 celebrated the best in Indian cinema, with “Mondo Meyer Upakhyan” winning the Golden Lotus.
2012: Pakistani Taliban Attack
In 2012, a Pakistani Taliban attack near Peshawar resulted in the tragic loss of 21 security personnel, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
2018: Record Low Temperature
The record low temperature of -111°C registered by American satellite Noaa-20 in 2018 in the western Pacific during a large storm set a meteorological milestone.
2022: Andrew Tate’s Arrest
In 2022, social media personality Andrew Tate’s arrest in Romania on charges of sex trafficking and rape garnered widespread attention and controversy.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on December 27 – Today in History
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